Ephesians 3:1-12 (NRSV)
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Chapter 3This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles- Verse 2for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, Verse 3and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, Verse 4a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. Verse 5In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: Verse 6that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Verse 7Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Verse 8Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, Verse 9and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; Verse 10so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Verse 11This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, Verse 12in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
Devotion
When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus, he was under house arrest, awaiting trial in Rome. The future must have looked dim. Yet Paul was able to share confidently his belief in God and God’s plan. Where does this confidence come from? Paul had seen what God had done through him – the people whose lives had been changed. And he trusted that whatever he faced, that God was there with him. In Romans 8, Paul wrote “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
You might not be in prison like Paul, but if you’ve faced challenging times, you know how important it is to have something to hold on to. Take Paul’s words to heart. You just might find the strength to face the future – and you just might find the confidence to share that encouragement with someone who needs something to hold on to.
Prayer
Jesus, fill me with confidence like Paul’s, so that I might be an ambassador for you, pointing others to your steadfast love. Amen.